To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

State of Oklahoma
Monthly Security Tips
NEWSLETTER
August 2012
Volume 7, Issue 8
Securing Your Wireless Network
From the Desk of CPT Jeff Elliott, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security
Wireless networks are not as secure as the traditional “wired” networks, but you can minimize the risk on
your wireless network (at home or at work) by following the tips below.
How Does it Work?
The standard setup for a wireless network requires two components: a Wireless Access Point (WAP)
and a computer with a wireless network adapter. Properly configuring a wireless device can be
challenging and the steps will vary depending on the manufacturer.
The WAP connects to your high-speed Internet connection and/or your internal network. It provides the
ability to use a computing device (copier, printer, etc) without being constrained by the distance of a wire.
A wireless network adapter, used for transmitting and receiving information, may be required for each
device you intend to connect to a WAP. The wireless network adapter is usually built into laptop
computers, while it is an add-on component for other devices.
Tips for Securing Your Wireless Network
Enable Encryption
It is critical that every wireless network has encryption enabled. Encryption scrambles the data in
a way that if your signal is intercepted there is reduced risk of someone being able to eavesdrop
or monitor your communications. There are several standards of encryption common to most
WAPs. Newer wireless access points include Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wi-Fi Protected
Access 2 (WPA2). WPA2 is stronger and the preferred method of encryption. If WPA2 is not
available, it is recommended that you use WPA. If your network only allows for WEP (Wired
Equivalency Privacy), an older standard of encryption, it is recommended that you replace your
wireless network with one that supports WPA2 or WPA.
Change the Default Password
Change the default password that comes with your WAP. The default passwords used by
manufacturers are well known to the hacking community. Be sure to use a strong password, that
is at least eight characters in length and include a mix of upper and lower case letters, as well as
special characters.
Change SSID Name
The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the name of your wireless network. Default SSIDs are well
known—often the name of the manufacturer—or easy to guess. Change the SSID name to
something unique and be careful not to use a name that freely discloses information. For
example, avoid using your family name. Avoid descriptive or functional names as well, such as
“Payroll” or “Accounting” since this would advertise an attractive target for an attacker.

State of Oklahoma
Monthly Security Tips
NEWSLETTER
August 2012
Volume 7, Issue 8
Securing Your Wireless Network
From the Desk of CPT Jeff Elliott, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security
Wireless networks are not as secure as the traditional “wired” networks, but you can minimize the risk on
your wireless network (at home or at work) by following the tips below.
How Does it Work?
The standard setup for a wireless network requires two components: a Wireless Access Point (WAP)
and a computer with a wireless network adapter. Properly configuring a wireless device can be
challenging and the steps will vary depending on the manufacturer.
The WAP connects to your high-speed Internet connection and/or your internal network. It provides the
ability to use a computing device (copier, printer, etc) without being constrained by the distance of a wire.
A wireless network adapter, used for transmitting and receiving information, may be required for each
device you intend to connect to a WAP. The wireless network adapter is usually built into laptop
computers, while it is an add-on component for other devices.
Tips for Securing Your Wireless Network
Enable Encryption
It is critical that every wireless network has encryption enabled. Encryption scrambles the data in
a way that if your signal is intercepted there is reduced risk of someone being able to eavesdrop
or monitor your communications. There are several standards of encryption common to most
WAPs. Newer wireless access points include Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wi-Fi Protected
Access 2 (WPA2). WPA2 is stronger and the preferred method of encryption. If WPA2 is not
available, it is recommended that you use WPA. If your network only allows for WEP (Wired
Equivalency Privacy), an older standard of encryption, it is recommended that you replace your
wireless network with one that supports WPA2 or WPA.
Change the Default Password
Change the default password that comes with your WAP. The default passwords used by
manufacturers are well known to the hacking community. Be sure to use a strong password, that
is at least eight characters in length and include a mix of upper and lower case letters, as well as
special characters.
Change SSID Name
The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the name of your wireless network. Default SSIDs are well
known—often the name of the manufacturer—or easy to guess. Change the SSID name to
something unique and be careful not to use a name that freely discloses information. For
example, avoid using your family name. Avoid descriptive or functional names as well, such as
“Payroll” or “Accounting” since this would advertise an attractive target for an attacker.